Low Carb Grain-Free Vegan Pasta!

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of pasta on a chilly fall day? What is great about this version is the noodles are actually made of zucchini, so it is super nutritious! I love my spiralizer, which quickly turns zucchini into thin strands of “spaghetti”, but you could also use a less expensive/bulky julienne vegetable peeler to create the strands. The …

Beans, Beans …. How Not to Toot!

Many people are very afraid of beans!  They tell me that they cannot eat them due to the unfortunate bodily issues that arise later on. That is a real shame, as beans are very nutritious – a great source of fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. They help with weight maintenance also, since they help you feel full. …

The Best Way to Nap for Energy, Productivity and Weight Loss!

You had a sleepless night and are walking around like a zombie. Or, you had to be up super early and now are having trouble thinking straight. You are wondering how you are going to make it through your day. Lack of sleep is a big problem. It can lead to decreased productivity, fuzzy thinking, weight gain, illness and even …

Nutritionist’s Picks from the Freezer at Costco – Part 4

It is nice to have a few frozen items on hand to use when you are in a hurry. Frozen foods can have even more nutrients than fresh (especially when fresh produce has been picked long before it even hits the store shelf and transported from a distant land).  Here are a few favourite items spotted at my local Costco …

Shopping at Costco Part 3 – More Nutritionist Approved Pantry Staples

Costco is a big place and it takes awhile to get through all the aisles. Make sure you have enough time and energy before venturing into big box stores! Here are a few more essential pantry items found on the shelves at Costco: Sea vegetables are a great source of iodine, an essential mineral which is deficient in many people …

Shopping at Costco Part 2 – Nutritionist Approved Pantry Staples

Continuing our shop for pantry staples at Costco, keep in mind that it is important to stay hydrated (so bring some water or herbal tea in a travel mug) and eat something before starting out. It is easy to lose energy and motivation to venture down all those aisles! Also, if you are hungry, you may somehow inadvertently end up …

Nutritionist Approved Pantry Staples at Costco – Part 1

My recent trip to Costco (in Vaughan, Ontario) included spotting a lot of great dry goods and other shelf stable, minimally processed or unprocessed, whole food products to have on hand. I have found that every Costco location is unique and not all have the same products. Things do change quite often, so make sure to poke around a little …

Eight Easy, DIY Money Saving, Non-Toxic Ideas for Personal Care Products!

Over the past few years, I have discovered many inexpensive, natural solutions to pricey packaged products, which often contain toxic chemical ingredients. The following super simple recipes utilize ingredients that cost pennies, many of which you probably already have in your home: 1. Grind together equal parts of raw oat flakes or groats plus almonds in a spice grinder, coffee …

Five Free or Inexpensive Activities to do in Paris!

Luxembourg Gardens in Paris 1. Ride the bus! Number 69 takes you past many of the landmarks of Paris (starting near the Eiffel Tower) and ends up at Pere Lachaise cemetery, where tons of famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison, Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde, Proust and Chopin. 2. Take the escalator up as far as you can, and then …

Look Younger, Live Longer? The Case for Inner Health, Outer Beauty

Genetics, bone structure and cosmetic procedures (which may make you look smoother, but not necessarily younger and sometimes just strange) aside, there is some proof that your appearance is dependent on your internal health. Handcrafted soaps from Marseilles Once people reach the middle of their lives, the way they have lived up to that point is literally written all over …